Because the NBA buzzes with commerce rumours, the Atlanta Hawks have reportedly made Dejounte Murray “broadly obtainable.” A number of groups are already within the 27-year-old, and a deal might manifest earlier than the commerce deadline on February 8.
The Hawks at the moment sit eleventh within the Jap Convention with a 14-20 document. Murray, a pending unrestricted free agent, is averaging 20.9 PPG on 47/39/83 splits, 2.4 3PM, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG, and 1.4 SPG in his second season with Atlanta.
NBA Rumours: Potential Dejounte Murray Commerce Locations
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled since successful the In-Season Event, going 3-10 in that stretch. They’ve tried adjusting their lineup, specifically by benching D’Angelo Russell, however they’ve continued to lose. Studies have surfaced that there’s additionally rising rigidity between head coach Darvin Ham and the staff. Finally, the Lakers have to make a change, and Murray might assist get issues again on observe.
As a result of Atlanta’s lofty asking worth, Los Angeles must surrender a number of property. In keeping with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Hawks need extra than simply Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. Nonetheless, the Lakers are reportedly not together with Reaves in commerce talks, however issues might all the time change. It’s extra possible that Hachimura, Max Christie, and different gamers will make a package deal, though it is probably not sufficient. One other deal might focus on Russell, who’s reportedly in the marketplace. He doesn’t precisely swimsuit Atlanta’s wants, however he’s a participant who might be flipped.
Zach LaVine was additionally named a goal for the Lakers, so the staff appears set on including a guard by the deadline. Murray seems to be a strong match to interchange the struggling Russell, as he performs higher when he has extra management within the backcourt. The guard would even be the third possibility, permitting him to make an even bigger impression on the defensive finish by means of his rebounding and disruptiveness. Murray additionally gives a scoring enhance for a Los Angeles staff with a bottom-10 offence within the league.
Philadelphia 76ers
One other staff seeking to make a blockbuster commerce is the Philadelphia 76ers. Even with the lack of James Harden in October, the staff has thrived due to the breakout of Tyrese Maxey. Nonetheless, the Sixers want to add one other piece to assist get them previous the Convention Semifinals this yr.
Because of the Harden commerce, Philadelphia gained a number of property, which created a crowded frontcourt. Nonetheless, a few of these gamers might be utilized in a deal. Items like Robert Covington, Marcus Morris Sr., and Nicolas Batum might present a veteran presence for Atlanta, or they might be flipped. The 76ers might additionally embody youthful gamers who don’t obtain many minutes however have potential, equivalent to Jaden Springer and KJ Martin.
Common supervisor Daryl Morey is claimed to be on the lookout for “a two-way participant with playmaking capabilities,” which matches Murray’s construct. He’s a strong shot-creator, playmaker, and defender. The Sixers are additionally reported to not be pursuing LaVine or Pascal Siakam, that means a commerce for Murray is extra viable. Nonetheless, questions come up about his match alongside Maxey and whether or not Philadelphia will comply with his price ticket.
New York Knicks
Even after buying OG Anunoby, the New York Knicks are serious about including one other star. They’re additionally rumoured to have their sights set on a two-way participant to assist improve their roster. As they appear to make a deep playoff run, the Anunoby transfer seems to be the primary domino to fall.
Evan Fournier is one participant who could also be included in a deal, as he’s within the remaining yr of his contract. The sharpshooter has fallen out of the rotation, solely showing in two video games this season. It’s more and more possible that he’ll be traded earlier than the tip of the season, and it might be to Atlanta. Quentin Grimes is one other potential commerce chip. He’s taken a step again this yr and is enjoying virtually 10 fewer minutes per sport than final season. Grimes has flashed some potential with elevated alternatives, however he doesn’t seem to have a major position with the Knicks. New York additionally has loads of draft capital to assist sweeten the deal.
Just like the 76ers, the principle concern with including Murray for the Knicks is how he would pair with Jalen Brunson. Murray ought to assist ease the playmaking burden whereas boosting a staff with a top-15 offence and defence. Brunson isn’t identified for his defensive capabilities, so Murray might assist strengthen their backcourt.
The Final Phrase on a Dejounte Murray Commerce
Finally, the Hawks buying Murray from the San Antonio Spurs in 2022 didn’t work out as they’d hoped. He doesn’t match nicely alongside Trae Younger, and the staff’s general success has been restricted to a first-round playoff exit. Furthermore, Younger and breakout participant Jalen Johnson are reportedly untouchable as Atlanta seems to construct round them.
The record of groups within the guard extends nicely past the Lakers, 76ers, and Knicks. These groups are headlining commerce talks, however the Hawks are open to exploring their choices. Finally, it appears more and more possible that Murray will discover himself in a brand new uniform quickly.
